Kingdom of Feathers: A Retelling of The Wild Swans (The Kingdom Tales Book 4) by Deborah Grace White

Author:Deborah Grace White [White, Deborah Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781922636089
Publisher: Luminant Publications
Published: 2021-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Basil tried to be attentive to the report being delivered by his head guard, but his mind kept straying to Lord Baldwin’s information, and the possible connection he and Wren had identified between the attack on her brothers and the attacks suffered by the Alburian and Listernian royals.

What did Wren really think about it all? It was clear she’d been holding back, not comfortable to share her thoughts freely in front of Lord Baldwin.

Basil shot a sideways look at the young nobleman, who’d accompanied the king to his suite to receive the guard’s report. Once again, Lord Baldwin’s discomfort around Wren had been painfully palpable. No wonder she didn’t want to communicate with him present, Basil thought with a flicker of annoyance. Why couldn’t Lord Baldwin pull himself together? Basil had come to enjoy the nobleman’s company, and would have liked him as an ally in the investigation he and Wren were undertaking. But Lord Baldwin’s inability to behave naturally around the silent princess was too great a barrier to allow his inclusion.

“In short, I’ve observed nothing to concern me, Your Majesty,” the guard finished. “The Mistrans may not be welcoming us with warmth, but I can’t see any sign that they intend us harm.”

Basil nodded. “Thank you for your report. I’m pleased to hear you’re at ease with our situation.”

The thickset guard gave a rare smile. “I don’t know if I’d go as far as at ease, Your Majesty,” he said. “If I’m honest, I didn’t expect such a long visit, and I wish I’d brought more guards, to keep everyone sharp. But it’s my job to be wary. I can at least acknowledge that nothing in the Mistrans’ behavior has so far justified that wariness.”

Basil smiled. “As always, I appreciate your honesty. And I’m pleased to hear your scout has reported the ceasefire at the border continues to hold steady.”

“Yes.” The guard hesitated. “If I may be bold, Your Majesty, I don’t believe it can stay steady forever. Without a proper resolution to the conflict, tensions on the front lines will reach boiling point eventually.”

“I know,” Basil sighed. “We must hope we can reach a proper resolution before that happens.”

The guard bowed and withdrew, leaving Basil alone with Lord Baldwin. Basil’s eyes strayed to the stack of letters and reports sitting on the desk in his suite. A response to his mother’s latest request for instructions was well overdue, and he hadn’t even glanced at the agricultural report which he was supposed to be approving by return courier. He’d never expected ruling a kingdom to be easy, but attempting to do it from a distance was a nightmare.

Basil was just thinking that he’d better start with a response to the letter from one of his more influential advisors, once again condemning the whole visit to Mistra, when the nobleman beside him cleared his throat.

“Speaking honestly, King Basil, I also didn’t expect such a prolonged visit.”

Basil gave him a weary smile as he tugged on the stiff fabric of his sleeve.

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